Head of Compliance (UAE)

We are working with a leading digital assets platform seeking a senior Head of Compliance to join their UAE-based, regulated entity. This is a critical leadership role overseeing compliance and financial crime frameworks within a VARA-regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Act as the appointed Compliance Officer and MLRO, ensuring adherence to UAE regulatory requirements and international AML/CFT standards
Lead and maintain the firm’s end-to-end compliance and financial crime framework (KYC/CDD, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening)
Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators, managing audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting
Drive compliance risk assessments, monitoring programmes, and board-level reporting
Advise on regulatory implications across new products, partnerships, and business initiatives
Build a strong compliance culture through training and internal governance

Requirements:

10+ years’ experience in compliance / financial crime within financial services, fintech, or digital assets
Prior experience as a Compliance Officer and/or MLRO in a regulated environment
Strong knowledge of UAE regulations (VARA, AML/CFT) and global standards (e.g. FATF)
Proven track record managing regulatory engagement and operating in a controlled function role
Based in the UAE (mandatory for regulatory appointment)

EC1 Partners

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